- Contraceptive injections are a very reliable and highly effective form of birth control. In fact, according to the American Pregnancy Association, when properly used, contraceptive injections are more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. In addition to the high effective rate, many women choose this birth control method because it is convenient and very easy to use. Overall, there are many advantages that accompany contraceptive injections, which is why it is one of the most popular forms of birth control today.
- There are 3 main functions of contraceptive injections and all of these functions work together to prevent a female from getting pregnant. First of all, contraceptive injections contain the hormone called progestin, which prevents a woman from ovulating every month. Secondly, the injections help thicken the mucus in the cervical area, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Lastly, contraceptive injections change the lining of the uterus in order to stop implantation from occurring.
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In order to begin using contraceptive injections, you must first visit your health care provider for a physical examination. Your health care provider can let you know whether or not you are a good candidate for this type of birth control method. The contraceptive injection is administered during the first five days of your menstrual cycle and it is given in your upper arm, buttocks or hip.
However, the injection is only good for 3 months and it must be repeated in 3-month intervals in order to prevent pregnancy. Please note that you can only receive contraceptive injections by visiting your healthcare provider and you cannot give yourself the injections at home. - One of the biggest benefits of contraceptive injections is that you do not have to remember to take the shot everyday (unlike the birth control pill). This type of birth control is reversible and many women are able to conceive within a few months of their last injection. Also, many females eventually have lighter periods or no periods at all, after the first year of receiving the injections. In addition, research shows that contraceptive injections prevent fibroid tumors from developing in the uterus.
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Like most forms of birth control, there are possible side effects associated with using contraceptive injections. The most common side effects include irregular bleeding or prolonged bleeding, headaches, weight gain, hair loss, breast tenderness, dizziness, nausea, excessive hair growth, bloating and abdominal discomfort. However these side effects usually go away after a few months.
It is important to note that contraceptive injections do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
These STDs can cause infertility and AIDS can be fatal.
Practice safe sex to protect yourself from these diseases by using male or female condoms or practicing abstinence.
